Typical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

ImportantIt is possible that the main title of the report Typical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is not the name you expected.

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

The hemolytic uremic syndrome is defined by the sudden occurrence of acute hemolytic anemia with fragmented red blood cells, low levels of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia), and acute kidney injury. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a general term that covers three main subtypes STEC (typical), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and Sp HUS (Streptococcal pneumonia associated HUS). This report covers STEC (typical) hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is most often associated with E. coli infection and bloody diarrhea. NORD has a separate report on the rarer atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is not caused by infection with E. coli and is often the result of a genetic mutation.

Typical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is an uncommon disease that occurs in 5 to 15 percent of individuals, especially children, who are infected by the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterium, usually O157:H7. This organism releases toxins into the gut that are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported by white blood cells (leukocytes) to the kidneys. This results in acute renal injury. There may also be damage to the brain with seizures and even coma, the pancreas with pancreatitis and occasionally diabetes mellitus, and other organs.

Typical HUS mainly affects young children between one and 10 years. More recently large numbers of adults were affected by STEC HUS in Europe. The onset of HUS is preceded by an illness characterized by vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and, usually, bloody diarrhea.

Supporting Organizations

American Kidney Fund, Inc.

11921 Rockville Pike

Suite 300

Rockville, MD 20852

USA

Tel: (800)638-8299

Email: helpline@kidneyfund.org

Website: http://www.kidneyfund.org

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126

Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126

Tel: (301)251-4925

Fax: (301)251-4911

Tel: (888)205-2311

Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/

NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

NIAID Office of Communications and Government Relations

5601 Fishers Lane, MSC 9806

Bethesda, MD 20892-9806

Tel: (301)496-5717

Fax: (301)402-3573

Tel: (866)284-4107

Email: ocpostoffice@niaid.nih.gov

Website: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/

NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive &#038; Kidney Diseases

Office of Communications & Public Liaison

Bldg 31, Rm 9A06

Bethesda, MD 20892-2560

Tel: (301)496-3583

Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov

Website: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

National Kidney Foundation

30 East 33rd Street

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212)889-2210

Fax: (212)689-9261

Tel: (800)622-9010

Email: info@kidney.org

Website: http://www.kidney.org

World Health Organization (WHO)

Avenue Appia 20

Geneva 27, 1211

Switzerland

Tel: 41227912111

Fax: 41227913111

Website: http://www.who.int/en/

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

Last Updated: 3/29/2016Copyright 2013 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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